Welcome to my inaugural column! I am Leslie Schermerhorn. I was appointed to the post of regional superintendent of McHenry County schools on May 1, 2012, and elected on Tuesday.

“Teachable Moments” is a monthly column to highlight the great things going on in our schools and to help strengthen the bond between our community, schools and families. We are all in this to transform the children of McHenry County from toddlers to educated, happy and productive members of our community. Only with everyone working together will we realize the optimum potential of our children.

My background is: 1. A wife and mother of two, Hank, 27, and Claire, 25; 2. An educator for 14 years, nine years as a middle school teacher, five years as an assistant principal in Chicago Public Schools; 3. A degree in law; and 4. A resident of McHenry County during my high school tenure and for the past 11 years.